Moonlight Sins

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

“Ms. Hughes?”

  She wet her lips. “What?”

  Lucian slid his hand over her hip and curled his arm around her waist. He drew her back against him. “Do you know what is happening here?”

  Julia was here because she wanted to be. She was letting this man touch her, because that was what she wanted, and the truth of that was frightening.

  “I think you do.” His breath now danced over her ear. “I don’t know why you’re resisting this. I know you want me just as badly as I want you.”

  She did. Oh God, she did.

  Her eyes closed.

  It was official.

  Julia was already in over her head when it came to Lucian de Vincent and she wasn’t coming up for air anytime soon.

  “But,” he said, folding his other arm around her. He held her close. “I’m not going to come for you again.”

  Julia’s eyes flew open.

  “You’re going to come to me.”

  Chapter 22

  When Julia got dressed Sunday morning, she wanted to don that beautiful red dress again, just to get as much wear out of it as possible. Because when would she ever get a chance to wear such a pretty thing when she went home?

  Home.

  That word felt weird even though she hadn’t been here that long, but she would leave eventually. Her job would end, sooner rather than later, and probably on the soon side. With Madeline painting and hopefully with the visit with Daniel this afternoon, she was getting better. Either Madeline would become more independent or the brothers may move her into a more long-term assisted living facility.

  She couldn’t imagine Lucian ever agreeing to the latter, but the only other option was to have a live-in caregiver indefinitely. That wasn’t unheard of but difficult.

  Her filling that kind of more permanent position wasn’t something she could even let herself think of, because when she did . . . she thought of things that had nothing to do with caring for Madeline and everything to do with her brother.

  That was wildly inappropriate.

  Then again, she pretty much should just give up on the whole appropriate thing. Especially after last night. Nothing had happened. Not really, but it felt like . . . like everything had happened.

  Dressed in jeans and a loose blouse, she carried her cup of coffee out onto the porch. Even though she’d be working with Madeline today, she couldn’t make herself wear scrubs.

  She placed her cup on one of the small stands and then walked over to the railing. The grounds below were quiet, no movement except from the breeze. She didn’t touch the vines, mainly because they kind of freaked her out. About to turn back to her chair, she heard something in the wind—something that sent a shiver down her spine.

  The sound . . . it sounded like a woman’s laugh.

  Julia turned around and looked up. All she could see was the floor of the balcony above her.

  Before she even knew what she was doing, she was walking to the right and climbing the exterior stairs that led up to the fourth floor. When she reached that landing, she stopped. The stairs continued, going all the way to the roof. She’d never been up there. Had no reason to.

  Biting on her lip, she glanced down the porch that led to Madeline’s room and all the other empty ones, then she looked up. She knew it hadn’t been Madeline laughing and she also knew it was probably just some weird bird that she heard, but curiosity was an annoying little hussy.

  Julia climbed the rest of the steps, shielding her eyes as the morning sun broke free from the clouds. Tiny beads of sweat dotted her forehead as she reached the rooftop.

  She could tell that this had once been a usable space. Tall trellises lined one side, covered by the out or control vines. There were large empty urns she imagined had once been filled with sun-loving flowers. Something white billowed out, catching her attention. She walked across the flat surface, glancing at the arches and peaks that rose on either side of her.

  Like at the restaurant the night before, there was a canopy on the roof, covering a large, deep couch that appeared to be bolted down. It was so quiet up here that she imagined this used to be someone’s peaceful sanctuary.

  Twisting at the waist, she saw that sunlight glinted off something silver. She walked to the right, her steps slowing as she reached the edge of the roof. There was no guardrail. Nothing but a steep drop off the end, but on the floor of the roof was a silver urn bolted down.

  Julia knelt down as she stared at the fresh flowers tucked into the urn. She didn’t know what the pale pink-and-white blossoms were. Irises? Lilies? Julia wasn’t a flower person, but it was obvious with the sun beating down on the spot, these flowers had recently been placed here.

  She rose and then stepped around the urn, getting as close as she could to the edge before she sucked in a sharp breath, unbalanced by the height. Julia caught a glimpse of barren land below. A patch of dead grass. No stone. No vines. Nothing.

  Was this . . . ?

  Julia stepped back from the edge, her gaze following to the urn. Was this where their mother jumped? Was this where she had stood and decided to end her life?

  Stomach knotting with unease, Julia folded her arms around her waist. Feeling like she was suddenly on hallowed ground, she backed away from the urn of flowers and then quickly turned. She hurried back down the stairs and to the porch outside her rooms, unable to shake the idea that she’d just invaded the family’s privacy.

  Sitting in one of the wide wicker chairs, she picked up the warm cup and cradled it in her hands as she stared at the vine-covered railing. Tiny buds were poking free of the leaves. If roses bloomed all over the vines, the house would have to look magical, like something out of a fairy tale instead of how it appeared now, like half the house was always in the shadows.

  A warm breeze lifted the strands of hair, tossing them around her shoulder as she sipped the coffee.

  You’re going to come to me.

  Despite the warmth, she shivered as she squirmed in the chair. Julia had barely gotten any sleep last night. Lucian’s words had haunted her—tempted her. She’d tossed and turned, wanting nothing more than to do just that.

  She knew what he was about. From the first moment they met and up until last night, he was always the seducer; the one taking her hand and guiding her into all the things she shouldn’t be doing. But not anymore. He was going to make her come to him, because if she did, there was no way she could play off in her head that it hadn’t been a conscious choice.

  That if she did come to him, it would be all on her.

  And if she did, what would happen? They would have sex—most likely great, mind-blowing sex, but then what? Did they go about their lives like nothing happened, her caring for his sister and when the job was over, they were over? A friends-with-benefits type of situation? Obviously she’d never done that before. She wasn’t even sure she had it in her to do that—to have sex without catching feelings. And based on everything she knew about Lucian, which wasn’t very much, that was all that he’d want.

  Sex.

  No strings attached.

  Footsteps drew her out of her thoughts. Looking up, she half expected to see Lucian, but it was Gabe.

  “Hey,” she said, smiling as she felt her cheeks warm. Nothing more awkward than thinking about having sex with someone and having his brother creep up on you.

  That brother who apparently may’ve been down with a threesome.

  Julia squirmed.

  She really did not need to think about that.

  “Mind if I join you?” he asked. When she shook her head, he dropped into the chair next to her. “So, I hear our esteemed cousin is going to be coming over today.”

  “Yep.” She glanced over at him. “I’m anticipating it will be . . . interesting.”

  He chuckled. “That’s one of way of saying it.” There was a pause. “Daniel isn’t too bad. He’s just incredibly reckless and immature. He’s someone always going to need an adult present.”

  “You going to join us for lunch?”


  Gabe was staring out over the land as he shook his head. “I’m leaving in an hour or so. Heading to Baton Rouge.”

  “Oh. That sounds fun.”

  “Yeah.” He lifted a hand, tucking several strands of hair back. “I’m actually going to see an old . . . friend. Well, the family of an old friend that I hadn’t seen in, hell, like seven or so years. It’s kind of weird, actually. I have no idea why they’d want to see me.”

  She watched him out of the corners of her eyes. “Why wouldn’t they?”

  A wry smile appeared on his lips. “I . . . kind of dated their daughter for a few years. When we were in college and then off and on a couple of years after that.”

  “Did things not end well?”

  He snorted. “That would be an understatement.” He smacked his hands off his knees. “Anyway, I had a good time last night. I hope you did too.”

  The change of subject gave her whiplash. “I did. It was a lot of fun.”

  “We’ll have to do it again when I get back.” His gaze slid over to hers. “Of course, we’ll invite Lucian.” He winked. “Wouldn’t want him to feel left out.”

  She shot him a dry look. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Hell you don’t. My brother is so wrapped up in you, if I call your name, he comes running. You damn well know that.”

  Her eyes widened.

  He tipped his head back and laughed. “You know, you probably don’t want to hear this, but I’ve never seen my brother act the way he does when it comes to you.”

  Her brows lifted. “I’m not sure what that means.”

  “It’s probably best that you don’t.”

  She twisted toward him. “I . . . I don’t know what to say. I didn’t come here to start a relationship or anything like that with anyone. I—”

  “You wouldn’t mix business with pleasure. I know. You’re kind of straitlaced.” Those lashes lowered, shielding his eyes. “Not completely. There’s a bit of wild in you. I can sense that.”

  Thinking of the elevator, Julie flushed. There wasn’t that kind of wild in her.

  Moving his hands to the arms of the chair, he rose. “On a serious note, though? I don’t expect you to get personal with me or anything like that, but I just want to let you know that you’re different to him.”

  She lowered her mug. “I’m really not sure if that’s a good thing.”

  “Me neither.”

  So not expecting that response, she had no idea how to respond.

  Gabe started to turn, but stopped. “Maybe it’ll be a good thing,” he said, pausing. “You’re a good thing, though. Anyway, I’ll see you soon.” He bent down, kissing her cheek before she even had a chance to realize what he was doing. “Make sure Lucian behaves himself and doesn’t kill Daniel today.”

  And then he was walking away, disappearing around the corner of the porch, and Julia was left sitting there, wondering if he was joking about making sure Lucian didn’t kill Daniel.

  Probably not joking.

  Sighing, Julia collapsed back and closed her eyes. The de Vincent brothers were so . . . they were so weird and yet so attractive, almost so much so that it nearly canceled out the weirdness.

  But yeah, it didn’t.

  You’re going to come to me.

  Julia shivered again.

  Could she do it?

  Could she throw away all her reservations and concerns? Could she go to Lucian simply because she wanted to—wanted him? Was she able to let her past go and live—live in the moment? She wasn’t sure, because all of that still terrified her, because what if it blew up in her face?

  Could she make that choice?

  Chapter 23

  Lucian met his cousin Daniel at the door. “I don’t want you here.”

  Daniel stood just outside, sunglasses perched on his head. He briefly met Lucian’s gaze before quickly focusing over his shoulder. “I know and I appreciate you letting me come.”

  “As if me letting you stopped you when you showed up here unannounced.”

  “I’m sorry about that, but I had to see—”

  “You don’t have to see anything.” Stepping forward, he gripped Daniel by the collar of his pale blue polo and dragged him in through the open front door. “If you ever show up here unannounced again or even cause Ms. Hughes’s heart to jump in her chest, I will put you down.”

  His cousin’s eyes widened. “I—”

  “Do you understand me? And you better think about that question before you answer, because this is the only warning you’re going to get.”

  Daniel’s nostrils flared. “I understand.”

  “For real?”

  The man’s throat worked on a swallow. “For real.”

  Lucian let go of the front of his shirt, and Daniel stumbled back. “Close the door behind you.”

  Daniel did just that. After he closed the door, he caught up with Lucian in the main hall. “Are Devlin and Gabe around?”

  Lucian snorted. “Why? You worried?”

  Walking beside him, Daniel straightened his shirt. “Just want to be prepared in case I get snatched up again.”

  He chuckled. “I prefer you to be in a constant state of fear.”

  Daniel didn’t respond until they reached the steps. “I didn’t mean to scare the nurse. I didn’t know she would be here.”

  “Doesn’t matter.” Lucian resisted the urge to turn and push Daniel down the stairs. “Your entire life is causing things you didn’t mean to.”

  “That’s a little harsh.”

  “Truth isn’t always nice.”

  There was a gap of silence before Daniel replied, “That is true.”

  They didn’t speak the rest of the way up to the third floor, but Lucian stopped him before they rounded the short hallway to Maddie’s rooms. “If my sister gets anxious or appears stressed out, you will leave immediately.”

  Daniel faced him. “You know that I would never want to hurt Maddie or stress her out. You don’t have to tell me twice.”

  Breathing in deeply, Lucian’s jaw locked down as he looked away. Daniel wasn’t bullshitting. As much as he disliked the little son of a bitch, he cared for Maddie. Always had. And Maddie cared for him. It was the only reason why he was here.

  “Come on,” he growled.

  The door to Maddie’s room was open. His sister was at the easel, painting away. Today it appeared to be a part of a child’s face. Possibly? And his sister was clothed prettily in what appeared to be some kind of dress-and-sweater combo.

  But it hadn’t been his sister he’d noticed first. It had been Julia. How messed up was that?

  She stood beside Maddie, her long, thick wavy locks of hair falling free around her face. God, she didn’t wear her hair down nearly enough for his liking. He wanted to sink his hands into her hair, fist the strands—

  Shit, he needed to focus and not on that or he would go back on what he told her last night quicker than a strike of lightning.

  Julia looked over as they entered, her gaze lingering on Lucian before moving onto Daniel. “Good afternoon.”

  Daniel started forward, but stopped and looked in Lucian’s direction first. Lucian smiled tightly, and Daniel’s shoulders tensed. “Hello, Ms. Hughes. How are you?”

  “I’m good.” She turned to his sister. “Madeline’s already eaten, but lunch has been bought up.” She gestured at the covered plates Livie must’ve just sent up.

  “Do you mind if I sit with Maddie for a little bit and talk first?” Daniel asked.

  Julia shook her head. “I don’t have a problem with that.” She turned to him. “Lucian?”

  Of course, he did. He had problem when Daniel breathed, but he shook his head no. His cousin slowly walked over to where Maddie sat. Every movement was cautious as he sat in the seat Julia usually occupied.

  “Hey, sweet girl,” Daniel spoke, voice light. “What are you working on?”

  There was no response. Maddie kept on painting, but Daniel kept on talki
ng to her like she was responding. The same way Lucian talked to her. He watched his cousin and sister for a few moments, and then his gaze crept to where Julia was.

  The cream-colored shirt she wore hinted at the soft swells beneath as she bent at the waist, picking up one of the brushes that Maddie must’ve dropped. His gaze was hungry as he watched her place it on the tray beside Maddie.

  As Julia moved back to give them some space, he walked over to join her by the doors. She glanced up at him, but quickly looked away.

  He leaned over and whispered, “I liked the scrubs. Thought they were cute. Really liked you in that dress last night. Thought you were beautiful. But seeing you in jeans, finally? Fucking sexy as hell.”

  Her gaze shot to his.

  Lucian winked as he clasped his hands behind his back, fixing his expression into bored indifference when Daniel glanced over his shoulder at them.

  “Don’t you dare,” she whispered the moment Daniel refocused on Maddie.

  He raised a brow as he angled his body toward her and the doors, keeping an eye on his cousin and sister. “Dare what?”

  “Stand there like you didn’t just say that.”

  Lucian pressed one hand to his chest. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  Her lips twitched as she rolled her eyes and then she smiled as she shook her head. “You’re ridiculous.”

  “Well, you can’t spell ridiculous without dic—”

  Julia smacked his arm—smacked it hard, too. He chuckled when she turned bright pink, because Daniel looked over again. The lunch pretty much went like that. The three of them picked at the food while Daniel did the whole one-sided conversation, which was a stroll down memory lane.

  There was little reaction from Maddie throughout the lunch. She stopped painting every so often and would look in Daniel’s direction, so Lucian guessed that was some improvement.

  God, he hoped so.

  If having Daniel here every single damn day would help Maddie, then he’d put up with it without punching the little prick out.

  “You’re doing good,” Julia commented as he helped her carry the plates out to the hall, placing them on a tray. “I expected that I’d have to pull you off him at some point.”